The silicon valley black project's first film tells the story of African Americans in the early days of Silicon Valley. It is designed to help you learn of our history using digital resources, websites, film and pictures. This first effort documents how corporate leaders and Historically Black Educational Universities (HBCU) worked hand in hand to prepare the newcomers for the developing technology.  All at a time when there were no patents, intellectual property rights or copy write laws to protect their work.

Two years in the making “A Place at the Table” is a documentary that fills in the blanks where African Americans were forgotten or hidden from view.

Michael Beasley, chairman of rocket software and former IBM executive, believes that education gives you an advantage.

The story of the African American contribution to Silicon Valley should be shared with the young and old and those that are seeking careers in high tech.  We have a rich history that must be shared.  When you are confident that your people were part of the creation of an era you will most likely see your future as being much brighter and promising.  

Cottontales’ podcast

The silicon Valley Black Project has a podcast available online, at itunes “cottontales” or cottontales.libsyn.com for ongoing updates and conversations with individuals, technologist and entrepreneurs. The podcast provides a forum where we discuss how African American contributions continue to be made in many facets.

A Place at the Table, the documentary film, Kathy Cotton focuses on the beginnings of hi-tech through the voices of black pioneers. She tells their digital history with face to face interviews and research using the offices and in some cases, the homes of the film participants.